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December 6, 2009

Parker running for spot on county commission

By Tiffany Green The Cullman Times

CULLMAN — Jerry Parker knows there is more to the job of Associate Commissioner of Cullman County than just the question of where Cullman County residents should get water.

 Parker, 58, of Holly Pond recently announced he would run as a Republican for west side associate commissioner Place 2. Former commissioner Stanley Yarbrough (Rep.) and Good Hope resident William “Willy” Hendrix (Dem.) have already announced their candidacies for the seat, which is currently held by Wayne Willingham.

Parker is a self-employed woodworker who has never been involved in politics before.

“I really got excited at the tea parties,” he said. “I think I could improve things, and I believe I could do a good job.”

Parker said the current water issue is not the only thing he would concentrate on.

“I think there are more problems that just water,” he said. “We need to focus on the meth problem and keeping our kids here by providing more jobs. We need more jobs for our children or they will have to leave like mine did.”

Parker wants to work closely with the sheriff and manage the meth problem facing the county.

On the water issue, Parker thinks the county should side with the city and sign on to the Duck River project. Willingham believes Smith Lake would make a better water source.

“Duck River today, Duck River tomorrow and Duck River for the future of Cullman County,” he said.

The county currently relies on Lake Catoma as its sole water source. The Cullman Utilities Board plans to construct a dam on Duck River and create a new reservoir to protect the area against droughts.

On the half-cent sales tax issue to support county schools, Parker agrees with Commission Chairman James Graves and thinks it should be up to the county citizens.

“It’s not just something three people should decide on,” he said.

He is married to Becky Parker, and they have two grown children.



 ‰ Tiffany Green can be reached by e-mail at tgreen@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.

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